This is a violin-posing tutorial designed to help layers who are portraying violinist-characters. If you can master the right way to hold a violin, your prop (and your photos) will be much more convincing.

The Right Way to Hold a Violin

Stand up straight and hold the instrument above your chest. Use your jaw to lightly steady the instrument.

Here we'll introduce just one way to make arm-covers with indicator plates that really light up. This version uses watch batteries and the smallest possible battery pack to avoid the need for bulky strap-on packs and minimize the chance of your pack weighing down your costume. But, of course, it's possible to use this method with other kinds of lights and battery packs, as long as you devise some way to strap the pack to your arm. Just be aware that some non-LED lights produce heat! You should test any lights and packs thoroughly before installing them to avoid melting (or burning) your costume, or worse, yourself! LED lights are strongly recommended over incandescent/filament lights.

Step 1 ~ Cut the Stretch Enamel

First cut two basic arm-cover patterns from the black stretch enamel. Be sure to use your own arms to guage the proper size before cutting. They should flare gently over the wrists and hands when wrapped.

Step 2 ~ Sew together the arm cover bases

Pin the armbands together with the non-shiny side facing up. Refit the pinned arm covers to adjust the size near the elbows (it should just fit!), then sew together the sides by machine.

Step 3 ~ Sew the trim onto both sides

Cut a strip of vinyl wide enough to fold over both ends of your arm covers to make a colored trim, then sew into place. Choose a material with a pearl finish for the best results.

Point! - Don't close the trim completely!!

We'll be lining the outer cuff with wire in the next step, so be sure to leave an opening at the end of your trim!! Be careful not to sew it closed or too tightly for the wire to thread through completely.

Use the opening you left in the trim to pass a wire through the whole cuff. Try to find a thick wire that will hold up to wear and tear and will keep its shape easily for the best results.

Step 5 ~ Cut the aluminum plate

Cut two pieces of aluminum plate as shown here. Using aluminum for the base will reflect the light from the LEDs and give you a brighter, more evenly diffused look.

Point! - Match the aluminum piece size to your acrylic plating

Be sure to have an acrylic piece that will fit nicely in the aluminum casing. It may even be a good idea to trace your acrylic piece onto the aluminum piece for reference (as-shown). Note - the acrylic piece will sandwich between the aluminum pieces shown, so be sure to trace it onto both before cutting.

Step 6 ~ Heat and bend the edges of the aluminum

Use double-sided tape to stick the acrylic and aluminum together. Then heat the edges of the aluminum with a lighter and use the edge of your cutting board to press them over the acrylic sides as tightly as possible. They should mold together.

Step 7 ~ Finish sealing the aluminum and acrylic

Use double-sided tape to stick the piece from step 6 to the second acrylic trim piece. Be very careful when sticking this piece on, as it may crinkle or buckle when applied sloppily.

Step 8 ~ Cut the construction paper

Cut the construction paper as-shown. The black pieces will block the light while negative spaces will show through clearly. Feel free to alter the design to your own specifications.

Cut the yellow and gree acrylic into strips large enough to cover the spaces cut into the paper and glue them into place using lightweight, transparent-drying glue. The placement of the colored acrylic will decide the color of the lights showing through on your arm cover panels.

Step 10 ~ Stick the paper/acrylic strip onto the panel

Use double-sided tape to secure the panel you made in step 7 to the paper and acrylic piece. Be sure that the side you stuck the colored acrylic strips on is sandwiched inside the two pieces.

Step 11 ~ Set the LED lights in place

Fit the LED lights into the holes you cut in the aluminum panels. When you finish setting all four, tape them all down with the same lengths of tape, being careful not to let the tape show on the surface panel.

Step 12 ~ Thread the cords through the arm covers

Open small holes in the fabric of the arm covers for the cords to pass through. Use double-sided tape to secure the panel to the sleeves with the cords pulled firmly through.

Step 13 ~ Attatch the cords to the battery box

Last, align the plus and minus chord ends properly and clip them to the ends of the battery box. After testing your lights, secure the battery box inside the sleeve to finish.

Pilot suits are essential for a life lived in 0-G, so they should always fit like old friends. If you make the costume just a bit snug at first, it will stretch a bit with each wear and will fit more closely over more wears.

It's important to take great care with the protector and boots too to be sure they fit the suit well and don't disrupt the sillouette. The boots have an especially heavy, stable look. People with small feet may want to choose a size larger than their own as a base.

Pilot Suit

This is the Gundam Miesters' tight-fitting pilot suit. While the shape is fairly orthodox, white lines often bisect rhe two colors for a near-future look.

Line up, pin and assemble the pieces as-shown. Securely pin or baste the points along the border between shades of green as well, then lay on the white dividing line and sew all three colors together along both edges of the line.

You don't necesarily need to pin or baste the pieces together before adding the line parts. You may also be able to find a tape similar in width to your line pieces and use it to hold down the fabric before sewing. It's also okay to stop and start while working on the lines -- meaning only one working-piece needs to be pinned/taped at a time.

Step 2 ~ Add the zipper to the back

Sew the back parts together as far as the zipper opening. Then sew on a long zipper securely for a clean, finished look.

Step 3 ~ Assemble the sleeves, pin the shoulders

Finish assembling the front and back pieces of the suit by lining up the center lines and sewing. Then line up and assemble the open sleeves and attatch interfacing (or uretan board) to the sleeve cuff. Sew together the sleeve parts and carefully pin the shoulder pieces to the main suit. When you're sure they line up properly, sew them on carefully. If you're inexperienced with using a machine to sew on pop-out pieces, finish the sleeve cuffs and relief details by hand.

Step 4 ~ Making shoulder armor

Assemble the armor parts, pin them on and sew. Use trimmed down raglan pads to create volume underneath (cut them to size beforehand). Make sure the pieces fit your shoulders well.

Step 5 ~ Sew the sides together

Turn the whole suit inside-out and pin shut the sleeves and sleeve cuffs. Sew the sides and sleeves together as-shown. Stop sewing at sharp corners to turn the piece before continuing.

Ichinomiya, a neurotic, obsessive businessman is saved from certain death by a girl living under a bridge over the river. Suddenly he finds himself in her debt and decides to live with her and a host of other undesireables by the river. Can life under the bridge teach him that there's more to life than relying on oneself?

This guy only has eyes for Nino and, as a result, doesn't get along with her new "boyfriend" Rik too well. The star he wears on his head can be made out of a stiff card base covered in a thin layer of cotton batting and fabric.

What do you do at events? What should you bring? Let's clear up some of the most common questions from beginners. Let's get out there and cosplay! Make your own debut this spring!

We'll introduce the flow of events from anticipation to follow-up!

The biggest hurdle to becoming a "cosplayer" is your first event. From preparation in the days before to event follow-up communication, we'll support you in having the best possible first experience!!

What's an "Event"?

It's a chance to take pictures and to communicate with other Layers in-person.

Cosplay events take place in all sorts of venues: amusement parks, convention centers, mansions, and traditional Japanese gardens among them. So be sure to match your costume with the event's location and theme to take the best pictures you can! Events aren't just about pictures either! You can meet and exchange ideas with other Layers there too.

I. Before the Event

The morning before an event can be pretty hectic, so try to finish all of your preparations the day before the event to give yourself some room to breathe. Be careful to pack everything you need, too!

1) Look at the event information and decide where you need to be and when

Most events cluster around weekends and holidays. In most cases you can find one every week if you like. Be sure to read the information about available events in full before making decisions about your schedule. Can you afford it? Can you get there easily? It's important to know what sort of costumes will fit the event atmosphere, too.

2) Look for friends to join forces with

It's easier than ever before to use community sites to find other cosplayers. Try a few out before the event: you might be able to find a group.

Generally speaking, you'll need to secure your own costume and wig beforehand. You can buy costumes from sites you fancy online or try making them yourself.

4) Prepare makeup, accessories and props

Choose makeup that will compliment your own skintone and wig. It's possible to have fun at events without props, but having them on hand for photos is convenient and adds a lot of variety to poses!

5) Pack your cart or bag

Choose a bag that's easy to carry for transporting your costume and goods. You can always use the same luggage you do for travel, but keep in mind that you may need to carry it with you throughout the event.

6) Charge your camera battery

Don't forget to charge your camera battery! The last thing you want to worry about the day of the event is a dead camera!

Things to Bring

Safety pins and double-sided tape
Costume and prop malfunctions happen. When they do, these fix-alls can save your skin (and your experience). If you have an especially complicated costume, glue might not be bad to have either.

A tripod
If you're attending an event alone and want to take shots of yourself or want to use the timer on your camera for group shots ~ this is indispensable! You can find pretty cheap, portable types easily these days.

Name cards
Name cards make networking with other cosplayers and photographers much easier. Just be careful to use a secondary email address and not to give out too much personal information to strangers.]

When your friends are participating too, it's important to make a set plan for when and where to meet. We recommend meeting inside after changing into your costumes for the least hassle.

-make sure your luggage doesn't get in the way of regular visitors
-be careful not to be late for your meetings, if you are, let everyone know beforehand

2) Sign in at the event space

Once you're arrived, line up for reception. On your turn, pay the fees requires and fill out any forms requested of you. You should recieve pamphlets and any special items like changing room tickets here.

-don't lose your participant card, badge or changing room tickets during the event
-the event pamphlet usually has a complete outline of rules and restrictions, so be sure to read it in full

3) Change in the changing room

Every event has its own changing room, so change after you arrive. Some events have seperate rooms for changing and makeup, so be sure to follow the staff's directions.

-Change only in the changing room! Don't change at home or in the bathroom.
-Cosplay is forbidden in many areas of some events. Be sure to check.

4) Take photos in the photo space

If you want to take photos or pose for photos, please use the photo area. Depending on the event, there may be special backdrops, areas and props for you to use.

-photography is prohibited in some areas, so check the pamphlet carefully.
-There are lots of other Layers who want photos too, so don't hog spots.
-If you're at an event with regular guests, be careful not to block their path while taking photos.

5) Ask other layers for their pictures!

Try asking some of the great layers you find at events for their pictures. Just be sure to be polite when asking and thank them afterward. If you have namecards, you can exchange them and give them copies of the pictures you took after the event. It's a great way to open the door to new friendships.

(How to ask in Japanese: "Shashin torasete kudasai!")

-Try not to bother cosplayers for pictures when they're on their way somewhere or are having a conversation with someone else. Timing is important!
-Never post the pictures you took of others online without permission!! When you want to post pictures, always ask for permission.

6) Take a break for lunch

It might be hard to tear yourself away from the photo-frenzy, but you really ought to take care of yourself. Be sure to eat lunch, stay hydrated and replenish your strength. Be careful of heatstroke in outdoor events, too!

-There are some places with restrictions on food and drink, so be sure to check.
-Take all of your garbage with you or to a garbage can.
-Only smoke in designated smoking areas.

7) Enjoy yourself freely at the event

Some events are photo-centric, others have shows, markets or are dance parties. You can enjoy all sorts of things while in costume ~ so don't limit yourself to posing. Some people use the changing room multiple times to wear more than one costume at a single event, too.

-When cosplaying at a doujinshi event, be sure not to clog traffic in front of the tables by loitering there in costume.
-Be sure not to take your eyes off your camera, wallet or valueables.

8) Change back a bit earlier than the event ends

After an event, the line for the changing room is pretty crazy. It's best to head there a bit early to make room for others and avoid the line. Be sure to remove your makeup with removal wipes too.

-It can be hard not to talk with your friends in the changing room, but do your best to get in and get out. The sooner you finish changing, the sooner someone else can start.
-Bring makeup remover sheets to take off your makeup quickly.

9) Go out with your friends to celebrate

The "After" or after party, is sometimes the best part. You can go out to eat or sing kareoke with your friends and layers that you've become good friends with. It's also a great chance to plan your next event!

-Be careful not to talk too loudly or get too excited about the event on public transport on your way home so as not to bother other people.
-If you're going shopping afterward, be sure not to leave your cosplay luggage in the aisles or block other people in the shops.

III. After the Event

Even after the event is over, there's still a lot you can do!! Wrapping up the event with follow-up is important, too.

1) Costume and wig care

Care for the costume and wig you've just used. Wash out any stains or dirt that's accumulated on your costume, dry and fold it appropriately. Be sure to store wigs properly to avoid tangles and maintain style.

2) Upload your photos to the web

Choose your favorite pictures and upload them to your website or cosplay community sites you frequent. You might be able to make new friends and exchange ideas with layers who like your pictures.

3) Get in touch with the layers you photographed

Send mail or community messages to the layers who gave you their name cards. Try sending them a greeting, a thank you and a copy of any photos you've taken of them. They might be really happy to hear from you.

4) Look for new events to join

It's important to always be working toward something. So don't take too long to decide your next event or costume. Try inviting the layers you met at this event to join forces with you at the next. Your circle of cosplay friends may widen a little.

Sometimes bad luck and/or poor preparations get the best of us all! Forgotten costume pieces, missing props, dead camera batteries...!! Here we'll introduce just a few horrific episodes from the lives of more experienced layers:

- "I wrote my real name, address and telephone number on my namecards. That little screw-up landed me a stalker almost immediately!"

All kinds of people come to events, and not all of them can be trusted with your personal information. Please be careful about wat information you give to strangers. Protect yourself and your privacy.

- "I got so caugt up in the atmosphere of the event that I ran around taking pictures of everyone else without taking a single useable shot of myself in-costume!"

It can be easy to get excited about participating in your first event and forget to take photos of yourself! On the other hand, some people can get really wrapped up in taking their own photos and forget their manners or avoid talking to anyone else at all and miss a good chance to network. Try to remember to mix it up and enjoy all aspects of the event!

- "I didn't check the restrictions on costumes and props, so I brought weapons to an event where they were banned."

Every event and hall has different restrictions that apply. If you're going to participate, read the rules and event information in full beforehand. Even veterans can benefit from this habit.

Her midriff top and hot-pants make for quite a constrast with her gorgeous cape. Putting them together is just the mismatch we need for Anya. Be sure to choose just the right gold trim for the closures on her coat and cape.

Two-Way Knit Inner Top

Anya's inner shirt is a tight mid-driff piece with a large design worked on the breast in gold. The shirt looks even shorter in the series, but be careful. Tops like this ride up when you move! Pelase choose your undergarments accordingly.

Sew closed the shoulders of the shirt, align the surface collar and sew it in place (the collar should be inside-out as shown).

Step 2 ~ Add the zipper

Attatch the concealed zipper to the zipper opening. See the shorts tutorial for more detailed information on how to attatch zippers.

Step 3 ~ Add the back collar to finish

Pop out the collar and align the back collar with both surface sides facing each other, then sew as-shown. Try to sew 0.5cm outside the point where you want your finished collar to stand. Then turn the collar right-side out and stitch a finishing line around the top.

Sew up any unfinished pieces and raw edges along the sleeve openings and base. Use a zig-zag machine stitch. Add decorative accents to finish.

When working with 2-way materials...

1 Thread your top and bottom spools correctly

When working in regular knits, it's okay to use regular knit thread in the same color on both top and bottom. But when working on a 2-way knit piece, try to cut with the grain then use machine knit thread on top paired with wooly lock machine thread on the bottom.

2 Use a zig zag stitch to finish any pieces that will be stretched sideways

Fold over your edges and sew them with a zig-zag stitch to prevent runs or tears on high-stress pieces. Try to sew pieces that will stretch lengthwise in straight, tight lines without stopping or cutting the thread in the middle.

Jacket

This wide-opening jacket has an open back and details in gold rope. The key to this piece is sharply-turned corners and straight lines for a clean, finished look!

Line up and sew together the front, side and back jacket pieces. Then fold back the finished seams as-shown (be careful not to let the extra fabric poke out on the corner of the center line). Create 2 pieces each with steps 1~2.

Step 2 ~ Make the collar

Leaving the right and left collar pieces unattatched at the center, sew each piece onto the jacket and open the seams as-shown.

Step 3 ~ Attatch the back collar and sew around the jacket and collar edges

Leaving the very top of the collar open, line up the pieces inside-out and sew along the entire perimeter of the gament as-shown. Take care at corners to create a straight, accurate look.

Step 4 ~ Turn the piece right-side out through the collar

Use the opening in the collar to pull the piece through right-side-out. Iron when finished.